The principles of living greatly include the capacity to face trouble with courage, disappointment with cheerfulness, and trial with humility.

Thomas S. Monson

Thomas Spencer Monson (born August 21, 1927) is the 16th and current President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church). As president of the church, Monson is considered by adherents to be a prophet, seer, and revelator of God’s will on earth. A printer by trade, Monson has spent most of his life engaged in various church leadership positions and in public service. Appointed by Ronald Reagan to the President’s Task Force for Private Sector Initiatives, Monson is also a recipient of the Boy Scouts of America’s Silver Buffalo and the World Organization of the Scout Movement’s Bronze Wolf—both awards the highest given in each organization. Monson has received three honorary doctorates and serves as Chairman of the Church Boards of Trustees/Education of the Church Educational System.

Monson was ordained an apostle at age 36 and served as President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles from March 12, 1995 until he became President of the Church. He succeeded Gordon B. Hinckley as church president on February 3, 2008.